Search options
Home / Faculty / Brenda Eckler

Brenda Eckler

Associate Professor

JWU Faculty Since 2013

Contact Info

Email
brenda.eckler@jwu.edu
Phone
401-598-2267
Campus
Providence

About Brenda

Associate Professor Brenda Kay Eckler joined JWU in the fall of 2013 as a full-time member of the Sports, Entertainment and Event Management Department. Prior to her tenure at JWU, Eckler served as an adjunct instructor for the State University of New York teaching the in the Hospitality and Business Departments based on her experience as entrepreneur of a professional Photography and Event company near Albany, NY. Her knowledge as an entrepreneur for nearly 20 years and her experience as a Corporate Accountant for 7 years allowed for an easy transition into teaching in higher education.
Eckler teaches undergraduate and graduate Event Management students and online courses in Business. She has been a member of Meeting Professional International (MPI) for over 20 years and a member of the International Festival and Events Association (IFEA) and the Protocol & Diplomacy International (PDI) Associations. Eckler earned her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credential, the global events industry badge of excellence, through the Event Industry Council in 2019. Additionally, Eckler is The Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE®), American Hotel & Lodging Association and is a Certified ServSafe Alcohol® Instructor & Registered ServSafe Alcohol® Online Proctor. Eckler holds an MBA in Management with a concentration in Entrepreneurship from the University at Albany and is currently completing her Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). Her doctoral dissertation and research focus is on 21st century teaching and learning.

Certifications:
Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Events Industry Council (EIC)
The Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE®), American Hotel & Lodging Association
Certified ServSafe Alcohol® Instructors & Registered ServSafe Alcohol® Online Proctor, The National Restaurant Association
Wedding Planning Certification, The Bridal Society
COVID-19 Contact Tracing Certificate, Coursera, 2020

Education

  • MBA- Management (Entrepreneurship/New Venture) – University at Albany
  • BBA – Hospitality Management – Tourism – State University of New York at Delhi
  • AAS – Accounting – State University of New York at Cobleskill
  • DBA Candidate – Grand Canyon University

“For our success to be real, it must contribute to the success of others.” Eleanor Roosevelt

Teaching Interests

Project Based Learning

Scholarly Interests

21st Century Teaching and Learning
Entrepreneurship

Courses

  • Event Leadership and Planning
  • Event Operations and Risk Management
  • Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Business Event Management
  • Special Event Protocol
Toggle

Extra Curricular Roles
Advisor-Meeting Professionals International Student Club
Tiefel Faculty Fellow
Sharkfest Entrepreneur Event Competition Planning Committee Member
DECA District and Regional Judge
{the} Bridal Society, Advisory Committee
St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Treasurer – (former) Assistant Treasurer
Rotary International, Youth Committee Chairperson (Rotaract)
Toggle

Professional Affiliations
Meeting Professionals International (MPI)
International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA)
Protocol & Diplomacy International (PDI)
International Association Exhibits & Events (IAEE)
Toggle

Publications
Toggle

Honors And Awards
  • State University of New York, Presidential Medallion for Academic Excellence
  • Rotary International, Rotarian of the Quarter

Q&A with Brenda

How Did You Get Started?

In 2007, while running an Event Management and Photography Business, I was approached by the Dean of Hospitality at a local Community College to teach an evening course in Event Management. I had never thought of teaching in higher education but the opportunity intrigued me. The Dean had faith in my abilities as I had been a student in his program. I was associated (as a student) with the staff and faculty at the college and knew I could receive much from support from those colleagues. I readily accepted this assignment and several subsequent courses. Later, I would become a full-time employee of the State University of New York at Delhi, working in a unique inter-institutional program located within this community college.

What Is Your Favorite Teaching Moment?

When an alumni who is in industry contacts me out of the blue and reflects on a lecture that s/he was part of and states “Eckler you were absolutely right when you said ”XXX” in the class. I just had this happen to me and all I could think of was you stating this in class”.

What Advice Do You Have For Incoming Freshmen?

Come with an open mind to learning, step out of your comfort zone, take risks, think out of the box, accept opportunities, keep an “eye on the prize” and never look back!

What Students Say

Professor Brenda Eckler has really inspired me this term with her stories and kind words! I have always gotten the best feedback from her and have received notes of encouragement from her throughout the term that pushed me to keep doing my best!

Allison Gerdsmeier, BS – Tourism and Hospitality Management